1. Missing and Abducted Persons Chapter 12:
Criminal Justice 2011
Chapter 12:
Missing and
Abducted Persons
Criminal Investigation The Art and the Science by Michael D. Lyman Copyright 2011

2. CHAPTER SUMMARY
12.1 Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.
12.2 Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.
12.3 Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons.
12.4 List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.
12.5 Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.
12.6 Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons and
abduction cases.
12.7 Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.

3. Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.1
Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.

4. 12.1 Missing Persons 797,500 children go missing each year
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Lecture Notes:
This statistic was compiled by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2009.

5. 12.1
Missing Persons
203,900 children were the victims of family abductions
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Lecture Notes:
This statistic was compiled by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2009.

6. 12.1
Missing Persons
58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions
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Lecture Notes:
This statistic was compiled by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2009.
This photo is or Phillip Craig Garrido – who abducted 11 year old Jaycee Lee Dugard and held her for 18 years and fathered 2 children with his victim.

7. 12.1
Missing Persons
115 children were the victims of stereotypical abductions
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Lecture Notes:
This statistic was compiled by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2009.
This photo is of Sara Lunde, age 13, abducted, raped and murdered by 36 year old David Onstott, a convicted sex offender.

8. 12.1 Missing Persons Internet Abductions Photo placeholder
Lecture Notes:
Clues could be found on the computer used by those who have been abducted.
Sites like Facebook, Craig’s List and others have been used by predators to find and lure victims.

9. Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.2
Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.

10. 12.2 Missing Children Investigative Tools Code Adam Amber Alerts
Lecture Notes:
Amber alerts require that an abduction have occurred, the child is in immediate danger, the child is 17 years old or younger, have enough information regarding the abduction. Etc…
Code Adam systems close all exterior exists and moniters them while the search for the missing child is conducted. Law enforcement is called if the child is not found within 10 minutes.

11. 12.2 Missing Children Four Different Types of Cases Non-Family
Family Abduction
Runaway
Lost
Lecture Notes:
These are the four different types of cases involving missing children.
Each case involves a different investigative strategy.

12. 12.2 Investigative Steps Step One: Interview Reporters Step Two:
Verify the child
Is missing
Step Three:
Verify the child’s
status
Step Four:
ID what
happened
Step Five:
Determined
when last seen
Step Six:
Interview last
contact
Step Seven:
ID safety zone
Step Eight:
ID type of
case
Lecture Notes:
These are the first 8 steps in the investigation of a missing child
Note that these are normally completed by a patrol officer
Time is of the essence. Children are in greater danger of being killed as time goes on.

13. Investigative Steps (continued)
12.2
Investigative Steps (continued)
Step Nine:
Get all
Descriptions
Step Ten:
Relay info to
EOC
Step Eleven:
ID and talk to
all persons
available
Step Twelve:
Update
Dispatch and
Others
Step Thirteen:
Search house
Step Fourteen:
Secure crime
Scene
Step Fifteen:
Obtain photos
Or video of
Suspects
Step Sixteen:
Write reports
And notify
parties
These are the last 8 steps in the preliminary investigation.
A detective may be brought in during this stage in the investigation or after it is completed.

14. Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.3
Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons

15. The Investigator's Role
12.3
The Investigator's Role
Obtain a detailed briefing
Verify descriptions
Obtain history of family dynamics
Lecture Notes:
These are the first four of 8 steps that investigators follow through on when called in to investigate a missing person or child.
Explore conflicting information

16. The Investigator's Role (continued)
12.3
The Investigator's Role (continued)
Evaluate all information
Develop an investigative plan
Access additional resources
Lecture Notes:
These are the last four steps of the plan.
The steps are repeated on this slide over and over until the case is cleared. In other words, the detective continually evaluates new information as it comes in and develops or revises the investigative plan, using whatever resources are needed or available until the all leads are exhausted.
Execute investigation

17. Crimes Against Children Investigations
12.3
Crimes Against Children Investigations
Investigator or
Patrol
Collect Evidence
Interview Victim
Lecture Notes:
These investigations are usually conducted by a specialized investigator in larger jurisdictions.
Some jurisdictions involve social services early in the investigation as part of the protocol to avoid duplication of child interviews and to resolve any needs early.
Interview Witness(es)

18. Crimes Against Children Investigations
12.3
Crimes Against Children Investigations
Follow-up
Investigation
Obtain medical records/opinions
Coordinate with social services and prosecutor
Lecture Notes:
Medial records can be very telling – showing battered child syndrome and a thorough medical exam may reveal injuries in varies stages of healing .
Talk to doctors regarding the nature of the injuries – get opinion regarding the injuries being accidental or intentional. Get expert opinion if necessary.
Always interview the suspect last.
Interview suspect(s)

19. 12.3 Amber Alert Abducted children system using media
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Lecture Notes:
Makes use of radio, television, roadside electronic billboard, and emergency broadcast systems to disseminate information about kidnapping suspects and victims
System is named after a 9 year old girl, Amber Hagerman, was kidnapped and killed in 1996.

20. 12.3
Code Adam
Abducted and missing children in malls, stores, and other public buildings
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Lecture Notes:
The next slide shows the poster and the five steps.
All federal buildings are required to participate by law.

21. Trends in Sexual Assault
12.3
Trends in Sexual Assault
Lecture Notes:
The rate of forcible rapes in 2007 was down to 59.1 offenses per 100,000 females, a 3% decrease from 2006.

22. Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.4
List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.

23. 12.4 Non-Family Abductions Missing Children Complex investigation
Dangerous
Lecture Notes:
Also included in these cases are those children where newborns and infants are taken from malls, hospitals, etc.
Many of the children involved in these cases are killed.
Amber alerts are used often in these cases if the criteria for using the system is met
The first few hours are critical

24. 12.4 Family Abductions Missing Children
Usually involves divorce or separation
May flee to another state or country
Lecture Notes:
These cases involve court orders, child protections services, and hidden agendas.
Raw emotions are always involved.
This could involve extreme possessiveness by a parent.
Also are very complex cases

25. 12.4 Runaways Missing Children Investigation should include motives
Dangerous if the child is young or immature
Lecture Notes:
Standard forms for missing children are usually completed by the patrol officer and entered into police data bases.
Often the child returns home voluntarily.
Most common missing child case

26. 12.4 Lost Children Missing Children Requires quick actions by police
Could involve large crowds
Lecture Notes:
Depending on the weather, if a child is lost outdoors or if open water is near, the child could be in real danger.
Checking the house CAREFULLY is usually the first step to ensure the child isn’t hiding or stuck in a trunk, appliance, closet, etc…
In large crowds, using civilians to assist in the search can be helpful.
Use PA systems and stop the music to assist in the search if at a festival or party of some sort.
Special needs children sometimes “wander” off

27. Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.5
Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.

28. Supervisor’s Role:
1. Ensure that the details of the case have been reported to the NCMEC. 2. Prepare and update bulletins for local law enforcement agencies, state missing children’s clearinghouses, FBI, and other appropriate agencies. 3. Prepare a flyer or bulletin with the child’s and suspected abductor’s photographs and descriptive information. Distribute it in appropriate geographical regions.

29. Supervisor’s Role:
4. Secure the child’s latest medical and dental records. These may be necessary to positively identify the child. 5. Establish a telephone hotline to receive tips and leads from the public. 6. Establish a leads management system to prioritize leads and ensure that each one undergoes a review and follow-up.

30. Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.6
Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons and abduction cases.

31. Interviewing Suspects
12.6
Interviewing Suspects
After a suspect has been identified, the investigator must carefully plan an interview
to gain as much information as possible without violating the suspect’s constitutional rights
During the interview, treat the subject with consideration but be firm.
As the interview progresses, the effective investigator may obtain more
answers by being a good listener—letting the subject talk, not trying to manipulate what the subject is saying
Always interview the suspect last.
If necessary, the investigator should be empathetic.
Be patient

32. Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.7
Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.

33. The Investigator’s Role
12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Step 1
Obtain a detailed briefing from the first responding officer
and other on-scene personnel

34. The Investigator’s Role
12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Step 2:
Verify the accuracy of all
descriptive information.

35. The Investigator’s Role
12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Step 3:
Obtain a brief recent history of
family dynamics.

36. The Investigator’s Role
12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Step 4:
Explore the basis for conflicting
information.

37. The Investigator’s Role
12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Step 5:
Review and evaluate all available
information and evidence.

38. The Investigator’s Role
12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Step 6:
Develop an investigative plan for
follow-up.

39. The Investigator’s Role
12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Step 7:
Determine what additional
resources and specialized
services are required.

40. The Investigator’s Role
12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Step 8:
Execute an investigative
follow-up plan.

41. CHAPTER Review
12.1 Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.
12.2 Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.
12.3 Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons.
12.4 List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.
12.5 Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.
12.6 Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons and
abduction cases.
12.7 Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.
CLASS ACTIVITY:
Divide the class into groups of 2 or 3 and assign one of these objectives to each group of students and present to the entire class.